A new writing competition to find the “next big thing” in children’s literature is being launched by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Bloomsbury. The New Children’s Author Prize launches today and is set to unearth brilliant new talent in writing for children.

Unpublished authors who enter the competition will be in with the chance of winning a publishing contract with Bloomsbury, publisher behind the Harry Potter series. The first prize will also include an advance of £5,000 and an exclusive print run of the new author’s work.

The winners will be selected by a panel of judges, including National Literacy Trust Director Jonathan Douglas, author and critic Nicolette Jones, Ellen Holgate, Editorial Director from Bloomsbury Children’s Books, and children’s author Katherine Rundell, winner of the 2014 Blue Peter Book Award for Rooftoppers, who will be published by Bloomsbury in 2015. To inspire and enthuse authors to get writing and develop their children’s stories from idea to print, Katherine has also provided exclusive tips that will be available to anyone who enters the competition.

To enter, authors should submit a 20,000–40,000 word children’s story, targeted at children aged 8 to 12, with a 350 word synopsis and a 1,000 word passage highlighted for judging in the early rounds. Entries cost £15 until 30 June and £30 after until the competition closes on 30 September. Stories should be emailed to: author.prize@literacytrust.org.uk. All proceeds from the competition go towards the National Literacy Trust’s work in tackling low literacy levels in deprived communities across the UK.

Katherine Rundell says: “I'm thrilled to be part of the National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury’s New Children’s Author Prize – with every great new book, there's a new chance to ensnare a child into a love of reading and into the infinities that books and stories offer.”

Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust says: “At the National Literacy Trust we work to bring reading for enjoyment and a love of books to children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK. Exciting, engaging and inspiring children’s literature is vital to our work, which is why we have launched this competition with Bloomsbury Publishing to help find the next ‘big thing’ in children’s storytelling.”

Emma Hopkin, MD of Children’s and Educational Publishing at Bloomsbury says: “We are delighted to be working alongside the National Literacy Trust to find new talent. There is nothing more exciting than discovering a new author; someone who can inspire children and encourage a love of reading.”

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

The Booktrust Best Book Awards with Amazon Kindle is a brand new children's book award with a difference--who wins is up to you! Browse some of the shortlisted titles below, or learn more about the Booktrust Best Book Awards.